| Abstract: | Blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) were prepared by mixing the polymers in the melt and in the absence of a solvent. PMMA was the major constituent of the blend. Traces of gel permeation chromatograms showed that the starting materials retain their polymeric character after Brabender processing. Data obtained from notched Izod impact strength tests at 23°C showed that blends may exhibit values ranging from about 0.3 to 0.9 ft-lb/in. notch. Differences in mix conditions afford blends which, from a phenomenologic viewpoint, consist of a mixture of two glassy polymers or of a rubbery polymer dispersed in a glassy matrix. Micrographs of a crack pattern in companion blends consisting of PMMA/PVAc 85/15 are consistent with impact strength test results. |
